Brother Vincent Cavanaugh

Religious Order: De La Salle Christian Brothers

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1966

Assignment History

1950s: La Salle Academy (Providence, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Brother Vincent Cavanaugh

Brother Vincent Cavanaugh was a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers who worked at La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island, during the 1950s. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Cavanaugh has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He is not included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, a former student contacted the Diocese of Providence’s Office of Education and Compliance in October 2004 to report that Cavanaugh sexually abused him during the summer of 1956, when he was a 13-year-old student at La Salle Academy. The complainant also reported that Cavanaugh sexually abused his younger brother, who was 11 years old at the time.

The alleged abuse reportedly occurred at Lincoln Woods Park and at a private waterfront home in Rhode Island. According to the report, the complainant alleged that Cavanaugh repeatedly took the brothers swimming during the summer of 1956. During those outings, Cavanaugh allegedly applied sunscreen to the boys’ bodies, reached into their shorts, and touched their genitals.

The complainant later reportedly disclosed in a letter that Cavanaugh also had the boys apply suntan lotion to his own body and reach into his shorts to touch his genitals.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the boys’ mother had sought scholarship assistance from La Salle Academy because the family was struggling financially. Through that process, she was reportedly introduced to Brother Cavanaugh.

The complainant reported the allegations to a former president of La Salle Academy in 2004. He was informed at that time that Brother Cavanaugh had already died.

Brother Cavanaugh died in 1966. According to BishopAccountability.org, he was publicly accused in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence; however, he was not included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brother Vincent Cavanaugh

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest or brother in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest or brother in Rhode Island?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Brother Vincent Cavanaugh listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

No. Brother Vincent Cavanaugh was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, but he was not included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, brothers, religious order members, and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest, brother, or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Brother Vincent Cavanaugh – Diocese of Providence